How Do You Grow Seakale?

Growing Seakale

Seakale is a cool-season vegetable that looks like snow peas. It grows as a biennial, meaning it flowers and then dies after producing the seed. Once the first year’s seed has matured, you can grow the second year’s crop using the same plant. The plant will not produce any seeds the second time around because the plant has already transferred its genetic material to make new plants so it can continue to grow and flower. Seakale grows best in well-drained soil in full sun, but it will tolerate partial shade as long as it receives plenty of direct sunlight. A sandy loam is ideal for growing seakale, while a clay loam will also work well. Seakale can grow as an annual, but most people choose to grow it as a biennial because they don’t have enough space for two years worth of crops per season.

No items found.

Cheatsheet

Top Tips for Growing Seakale

1. Soil: Well-drained sandy-loam soil.

2. Sunlight: Full sun or partial shade.

3. Sowing: Sow seeds or plant crowns in spring.

4. Spacing: Leave 3 feet between plants.

5. Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy.

6. Fertilizer: Apply organic fertilizer in early spring.

7. Mulching: Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

8. Harvesting: Cut stalks when they reach 8-10 inches.

9. Regrowth: Enjoy multiple harvests from the same plant.

10. Health Benefits: High in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.

11. Self-sufficiency: Provides a perennial vegetable source.

Growing Seakale: A Perennial Powerhouse for Your Garden

Let me tell you about a vegetable that’s as tough as it is delicious: seakale (Crambe maritima). It's a perennial marvel that thrives where most plants would sulk—the sandy, salty coastal edges of life. But don’t let its rugged origins fool you. With a bit of care, seakale can be right at home in your garden too, lending a blend of beauty and bounty.

What Makes Seakale Special?

Seakale offers something rare: it’s a vegetable that comes back every year. Think asparagus or rhubarb, but for those who crave the salty tang of the sea in their food. You can eat its blanched shoots, young leaves, flowers, and even its roots. I’ve had seakale shoots sautéed in butter—it’s one of life’s simplest pleasures, truly.

Its broad, waxy, blue-green leaves also make it a showstopper visually. Even if you didn’t eat a bite, you’d still want this plant in your beds, trust me.

Where to Plant Seakale

Seakale doesn’t want your rich, loamy soil. Nope, this plant thrives in well-drained, poor soil—the scruffier, the better. Sandy or gravelly spots are ideal. If you’re prone to overwatering, stop and check yourself now. This plant hates wet feet. Excess water will rot its substantial taproot faster than you can say, "Compost pile."

You’ll also want full sun. Seakale will tolerate a bit of shade, but sunlight is what helps it grow strong shoots and these stunning, kale-like leaves.

How to Get Started with Seakale

Seeds or Crowns?

If you’re patient, start from seeds. Seakale seeds require stratification—that’s just a fancy word for saying they need a winter simulation. Wrap them in damp paper towels, seal them in a bag, and toss them in the fridge for six weeks. When planting, give those seeds plenty of space, at least 18 inches apart. This plant sprawls.

For quicker results, opt for crowns or root cuttings. Plant them in spring or autumn, and make sure the top of the crown sits just at or below the soil surface. Water sparingly. Give them time. The taproot will do the heavy lifting underground.

Caring for Seakale

Watering: Less Is More

Once established, seakale is practically drought-tolerant. In fact, mine survives without coddling even in the hottest summers. Keep the soil just moist during its first growing season, but then let it fend for itself. It likes that.

Weeds Are the Enemy

Because seakale hates competition, mulching the area around the base is key. I’ve learned this wisdom the hard way after losing a few plants to invasive grasses. Use something light like bark chips or straw to keep weeds at bay without suffocating the soil.

Blanching for Tender Shoots

If you want those crisp, tender shoots that chefs fawn over, you’ll need to blanch the plant. In late winter, cover it with a large flower pot or an old bucket to block the light. After four to six weeks in this darkness, you’ll have beautifully pale, succulent stems ready to harvest. Remove the cover once you're done to let the plant photosynthesize properly again.

Harvesting Seakale

After the second year, your seakale will reward you with consistent growth. Patience is non-negotiable with this plant. Don’t rob it of too many shoots or leaves all at once, though. Take only what you need to ensure the plant regains its strength each season. For root harvests, wait until the plant naturally dies down in late autumn before taking a spade to the ground.

“Seakale is no sprint. It’s a marathon vegetable. But the payoff? Clean, earthy shoots that taste like they were kissed by the ocean.”

A Few Troubleshooting Tips

If you notice yellowing leaves, suspect poor drainage or overly rich soil. Correct that before it spirals into root rot. Slugs might nibble the young shoots, but a sprinkling of crushed eggshells or a copper ring will stop them cold.

Dividing the plants every five years will help maintain vigor. Trust me, by then you’ll have enough seakale to share with friends or trade for heirloom seeds at your local gardening club.

The Final Note on Seakale

Growing seakale isn’t complicated, but it does compel you to think like the plant. It loves neglect and thrives on simplicity. That’s rare in the gardening world, isn’t it? Once you see those wide, prehistoric leaves unfurling each spring, you’ll realize it was worth the wait. And when you taste that first tender bite, you’ll know it’s a keeper.

FAQ

1. When is the best time to plant Seakale?

The best time to plant Seakale is in the early spring or fall.

2. What type of soil does Seakale prefer?

Seakale prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soil.

3. How much sunlight does Seakale need?

Seakale needs full sun to thrive.

4. How often should I water Seakale?

Water Seakale regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist.

5. How can I propagate Seakale?

Seakale can be propagated through division or from seeds.

6. How long does it take for Seakale to mature?

Seakale takes approximately 2 to 3 years to reach maturity.

7. How do I harvest Seakale?

Harvest Seakale by cutting the stalks at ground level, leaving the roots intact.

8. How do I store Seakale?

Store Seakale in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel for up to one week.

Weeds are a problem in many gardens and fields. Fortunately, seakale is a weed-free crop that can be easily grown in any garden. It does best in full sun, well-drained soil, and sandy loam with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. You can grow seakale from seed or by starting with cuttings and transplanting the rooted cuttings into the garden after they have developed two or three leaves. you can also buy seeds of certain varieties of seakale. once you have grown seakale in your garden, you can use the greens and stalk to prepare soups, stews, and stir-fries. you can also dry the seakale greens and store them in an airtight container.

More from the Taim.io Plants Library

view all plants

Find out which plants will thrive in your garden!

Answer a few fun questions and get custom plant recommendations perfect for your space. Let’s grow something amazing together!